The first generation of culinary students have graduated from Compass Group's chefs' academy. Selected from 50 applicants, 13 culinary creatives undertook a six-month course designed by Compass Group’s executive chef Mark Anderson and Unilever Food Solutions’ business development chef Mark McCarthy to develop their cooking skills.
Unilever Food Solutions’ test kitchen in Dublin hosted monthly sessions with the students, covering a range of culinary topics including preparing, cooking and finishing dishes using classic and new methods. At the final workshop a panel of three judges from Compass Group got the chance to sample all the graduates’ dishes in a mystery basket cook-off, which formed part of their final assessments.
Students Myles Behan and David Anderson wowed them with their delicious meals featuring duck, salmon, homemade bread and manuka honey cheesecake. Both excelled in the final cook off and a clearly overjoyed David said: “I’ve loved every minute of the course. I would definitely say I’ve picked up some really useful techniques that will last me long into my career.”
Commenting on the value of developing the company’s talent, executive chef Mark Anderson said: “People are at the heart of our business and we’re passionate about giving young people the opportunity to see the opportunities our industry offers and enabling them to develop the skills they need to excel. Our Chefs’ Academy is a great way of bringing new talent into our business and developing their culinary skills and I’m delighted it has been such a success.”
For more information on Chefs’ Academy, connect on Facebook at eurest Ireland and on Twitter @compassgroupIRL or @eurestireland. See www.unileverfoodsolutions.ie for more.
